Composites Manufacturing Engineer I

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role supports our Defense Systems business, bringing together Hypersonics, Strategic Missile Defense, Tactical Missiles, and Integrated Defense Systems. Modern defense missions demand more than piecemeal parts or patchwork products; they require hardware that seamlessly integrates disparate technologies into a unified system. Backed by decades of flight-proven performance, our teams deliver tailored mission-ready solutions across air, land, and sea, including: launch and deployment systems, propulsion, payload protection, integration and deployment.

In this role, you will support the development of manufacturing processes for complex composite aerospace products. You will contribute to tooling design, manufacturing documentation, producibility analysis, and hands-on problem-solving while working closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure products meet customer requirements.

Schedule

• The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Supports day-to-day technical progress on assigned projects to meet team objectives and customer requirements.
• Assists in developing manufacturing processes for composite aerospace products to meet customer specifications.
• Helps create fabrication and process control documentation.
• Designs and drafts tooling required to support production rate and quality requirements.
• Interfaces with customers to provide program updates, participate in reviews, and support problem‑solving discussions.
• Assists with root cause analyses and development of corrective actions.
• Develops pricing and lead times in response to customer requests for quotes (RFQs) and requests for information (RFIs).

Required Qualifications

• Familiarity with composite manufacturing methodologies; experience with autoclave or press molding is a plus.
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and blueprint reading.
• Modeling and drafting experience.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering specifications, including drawings, material specifications, and processing specifications.
• Typically 0–2 years of relevant industry experience.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities across simultaneous projects.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently with some supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including root cause analysis and risk assessment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Desire to innovate and think creatively.
• Hands‑on engineering mindset with an interest in composite hardware design and fabrication.

Special Mentions

• Minimal travel may be required for this position.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.